During the band's early years, In Flames had a varying group of musicians recording with them, including many session musicians. By the release of Colony (1999), the group had established a stable lineup. Their sixth studio album Reroute to Remain (2002) showed the band moving toward a newer style of music that moved further away from melodic death metal and closer to alternative metal. This decision was criticized by fans of the group's heavier metal sound; however, it increased the band's mainstream audience and bolstered their album sales. As of 2008, In Flames has sold over two million records worldwide.
Since the band's inception, In Flames have released thirteen studio albums, three EPs, and two live DVDs, their latest release being their thirteenth studio album I, the Mask in 2019. In Flames has been nominated for three Grammis Awards. They won two of these nominations; one for Soundtrack to Your Escape (2004) in the "Hard Rock/Metal of the Year" category, and one nomination for their following album Come Clarity (2006) in the same category.
Black & White
In Flames Lyrics
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I am proud to be this far from you
You say that you have no regrets
But I know that you do
You told me someone stole the eye
I know him too
That between black and white
There is no room for two
The scale, it might seem wide
But there's no need to be blind
Between black and white there is no room for two
I leave all the grey behind
I see clear, I know that I'll find
You claim that you are innocent
But tell me who ain't
You think that you're going to be saved
There's no such thing as a saint
I've come to the conclusion, yes I know
That between black and white
There is no room for two
The scale, it might seem wide
But there's no need to be blind
Between black and white there is no room for two
Black and white
There's nothing in between
Black and white
Nothing's what it seems
I've come to the conclusion, yes I know
That between black and white
There is no room for two
The scale, it might seem wide
But there's no need to be blind
Between black and white there is no room for two
In this song, In Flames conveys the message that there are only two ways to approach a situation - black and white. The lyrics suggest that there is no middle ground, and that it's important to make a choice between the two. The singer claims to be one with the world, feeling proud to be far away from someone who claims to have no regrets but the singer knows that they do have regrets. The one who steals the eye is also known to the singer. The singer wants to leave all the grey behind, seeing things clearly, and claims that there is no room for two in between black and white.
The lyrics of this song may have been inspired by the concept of moral philosophy, which suggests that choices may only have two options - the right one and the wrong one. The message is clear, that one should not be indecisive and choose between the two, instead of trying to find a middle ground. The song may have also been influenced by the struggles the band faced while growing up and trying to make a name for themselves in the music industry, where they had to make a choice between success or failure, black or white.
Line by Line Meaning
I am one with the world tonight
I am in peace with myself, and I feel connected to the universe.
I am proud to be this far from you
I am happy with myself and the distance I have created between us.
You say that you have no regrets
You claim that you have no remorse for your actions in the past.
But I know that you do
However, I believe deep down in your heart, you feel remorseful.
You told me someone stole the eye
You told me that someone took something important from you.
I know him too
I am aware of the person who stole from you as well.
I’ve come to the conclusion, yes I know
I have analyzed and thought about this situation, and I have reached a result.
That between black and white
There are two clear choices to be made with no in-between.
There is no room for two
Both sides cannot coexist, and a decision must be made.
The scale, it might seem wide
The choices might seem to have a lot of variety.
But there’s no need to be blind
However, it's essential to see the situation clearly and for what it is.
Between black and white there is no room for two
Both clear choices cannot be simultaneously chosen.
I leave all the grey behind
I am choosing to leave behind anything that isn't clear or straightforward.
I see clear, I know that I’ll find
I am confident in my decision because it is honest and coherent with what I believe.
You claim that you are innocent
You argue that you did nothing wrong or harmful.
But tell me who ain't
However, everyone makes mistakes, and no one is perfect.
You think that you're going to be saved
You believe that you will be absolved of any wrongdoing.
There's no such thing as a saint
However, no one is free from sin and mistakes, and we must be accountable for our actions.
Black and white
Two clear choices or sides.
There's nothing in between
There are no other alternatives or grey areas.
Nothing's what it seems
Things are often not as they appear, and it is essential to see the situation for what it actually is.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LUKE GOSS, MATTHEW GOSS, NICKY GRAHAM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind